Saturday letters

Published: Saturday, July 13, 2013 at 1:00 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, July 12, 2013 at 2:54 p.m.

Long Bar Pointe exciting

I enjoy sitting in my kitchen looking out on the mangroves and beautiful Sarasota Bay. I enjoy the sunsets. I was lucky; I bought my home 25 years ago. The public unfortunately has limited access to this beauty.

I have studied the proposal made by Carlos Beruff for Long Bar Pointe. The plan is so much more than "more homes" with strictly private access to our unique coastline. The creation of a small marina should be a boon to all Manatee County residents and guests. A pleasant meal and a waterfront vista: wonderful. Public access is important; it is the right way to maximize our natural beauty.

The issue is the channel, which would allow boat access. This environmental issue has been studied extensively. The ecology will be maintained and the public the real beneficiary. The government agencies that will hopefully approve this unique concept include: the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the EPA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, among many. The project is thoughtful and mindful of our natural resources.

As for my neighbors, this project will allow for many amenities which do not exist now. Will new homes drag down real estate prices? I think not; we will become a true destination for many, including international clientele related to IMG. It is exciting. Yes, there will be more traffic but this is inevitable. I vote yes for this project.

Harris Silverman

Bradenton

Where was

environmental impact?

I was shocked by your coverage of Long Bar Pointe. The stories read like 1920s promotional pieces by Sarasota developers, with no analysis of the environmental impact the project would have on Sarasota Bay. The perspective was from a sixth-floor office building in Sarasota where your reporter probably picked up the line, "All that stands there are mosquito-infested exotic weeds and Brazilian pepper trees."

If you haven't been there, go to see one of the largest mangrove forests remaining on the bay, nursery for fisheries and protection against storm surges. Speak with biologists about the crucial role rich beds of sea grass serve in the health of the bay.

None of the citizens groups and environmental organizations on record in opposition to the project were mentioned in the initial stories. And the rewrite of Manatee County's comprehensive plan is covered in one sentence, with no analysis of why county staff opposes the amendments. They object because the amendments "may allow a development void of the protection of shorelines, habitat areas, air and water quality, and no protection of fish, shellfish or manatee areas."

Developers may want a "legacy" beyond a checkered trail of bankruptcy and Chinese drywall, but Manatee County residents value the natural areas that stand as green oases in a region rapidly losing the assets people living and visiting here value -- clear air, water and healthy habitat for wildlife. We have seen the giant and don't want it trampling our shores.

Sandra Ripberger

Chair, Manatee

Conservation Committee

Manatee-Sarasota Sierra Group

Bradenton

Outdoor recreation

key to Springs value

I came to North Port to have a lifestyle of swimming, gardening, birding, wildlife viewing, hiking, water sports, fishing and biking year round. I'm not alone. Isn't that the answer to attracting business, adding jobs and helping Warm Mineral Springs?

The outdoor recreation sector grew during the economic recession, fueling all segments of business in surrounding communities: retail, rentals, restaurants, groceries, gas, services, travel/tourism, campgrounds -- and created Florida jobs (329,000) while adding state and local tax revenue ($2.5 billion).

On the Big Island of Hawaii, their Hot Pond, much like Warm Mineral Springs here with surrounding park land, is free to the public and supports many businesses daily: concessions, lodging, crafters, restaurants, bike/equipment rentals and more. Warm Mineral Springs could add gardens, a lazy river ride, bike trails, a craft pavilion and a wildlife area.

Hundreds of millions of people visit state parks around the country each year, spending billions in the surrounding communities. Outdoor recreation planning/investing can add a profit base and more jobs and protect the environment.

Mary Boyea

North Port

Trial intrusion

I think that the Sarasota Police Department should stay out of the Trayvon Martin case and mind its own business.

Mary Ramey

Sarasota

Criticism of chief

I just finished reading the article in which the Sarasota police chief went and begged a segment of our town not to misbehave when the verdict in the Zimmerman trial is announced. All this has done is to ignite a fire in the minds of the community that was not there before. Furthermore, the chief lighted a candle for Trayvon Martin, which fans the flames.

The chief has veteran officers in her department who are trained as professionals to handle civil disturbances. They do not need to have this problem brought to them. This city needs a leader who instills confidence and pride in them.

After 34 years on the Chicago Police Department, this is the first time I am embarrassed to say I was a police officer. Sarasota's chief is an embarrassment. She should return to the little town she came from.

<p>Long Bar Pointe exciting</p><p>I enjoy sitting in my kitchen looking out on the mangroves and beautiful Sarasota Bay. I enjoy the sunsets. I was lucky; I bought my home 25 years ago. The public unfortunately has limited access to this beauty.</p><p>I have studied the proposal made by Carlos Beruff for Long Bar Pointe. The plan is so much more than "more homes" with strictly private access to our unique coastline. The creation of a small marina should be a boon to all Manatee County residents and guests. A pleasant meal and a waterfront vista: wonderful. Public access is important; it is the right way to maximize our natural beauty.</p><p>The issue is the channel, which would allow boat access. This environmental issue has been studied extensively. The ecology will be maintained and the public the real beneficiary. The government agencies that will hopefully approve this unique concept include: the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the EPA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, among many. The project is thoughtful and mindful of our natural resources.</p><p>As for my neighbors, this project will allow for many amenities which do not exist now. Will new homes drag down real estate prices? I think not; we will become a true destination for many, including international clientele related to IMG. It is exciting. Yes, there will be more traffic but this is inevitable. I vote yes for this project.</p><p>Harris Silverman</p><p>Bradenton</p><p>Where was</p><p>environmental impact?</p><p>I was shocked by your coverage of Long Bar Pointe. The stories read like 1920s promotional pieces by Sarasota developers, with no analysis of the environmental impact the project would have on Sarasota Bay. The perspective was from a sixth-floor office building in Sarasota where your reporter probably picked up the line, "All that stands there are mosquito-infested exotic weeds and Brazilian pepper trees."</p><p>If you haven't been there, go to see one of the largest mangrove forests remaining on the bay, nursery for fisheries and protection against storm surges. Speak with biologists about the crucial role rich beds of sea grass serve in the health of the bay.</p><p>None of the citizens groups and environmental organizations on record in opposition to the project were mentioned in the initial stories. And the rewrite of Manatee County's comprehensive plan is covered in one sentence, with no analysis of why county staff opposes the amendments. They object because the amendments "may allow a development void of the protection of shorelines, habitat areas, air and water quality, and no protection of fish, shellfish or manatee areas."</p><p>Developers may want a "legacy" beyond a checkered trail of bankruptcy and Chinese drywall, but Manatee County residents value the natural areas that stand as green oases in a region rapidly losing the assets people living and visiting here value -- clear air, water and healthy habitat for wildlife. We have seen the giant and don't want it trampling our shores.</p><p>Sandra Ripberger</p><p>Chair, Manatee</p><p>Conservation Committee</p><p>Manatee-Sarasota Sierra Group</p><p>Bradenton</p><p>Outdoor recreation</p><p>key to Springs value</p><p>I came to North Port to have a lifestyle of swimming, gardening, birding, wildlife viewing, hiking, water sports, fishing and biking year round. I'm not alone. Isn't that the answer to attracting business, adding jobs and helping Warm Mineral Springs?</p><p>The outdoor recreation sector grew during the economic recession, fueling all segments of business in surrounding communities: retail, rentals, restaurants, groceries, gas, services, travel/tourism, campgrounds -- and created Florida jobs (329,000) while adding state and local tax revenue ($2.5 billion).</p><p>On the Big Island of Hawaii, their Hot Pond, much like Warm Mineral Springs here with surrounding park land, is free to the public and supports many businesses daily: concessions, lodging, crafters, restaurants, bike/equipment rentals and more. Warm Mineral Springs could add gardens, a lazy river ride, bike trails, a craft pavilion and a wildlife area.</p><p>Hundreds of millions of people visit state parks around the country each year, spending billions in the surrounding communities. Outdoor recreation planning/investing can add a profit base and more jobs and protect the environment.</p><p>Mary Boyea</p><p>North Port</p><p>Trial intrusion</p><p>I think that the Sarasota Police Department should stay out of the Trayvon Martin case and mind its own business.</p><p>Mary Ramey</p><p>Sarasota</p><p>Criticism of chief</p><p>I just finished reading the article in which the Sarasota police chief went and begged a segment of our town not to misbehave when the verdict in the Zimmerman trial is announced. All this has done is to ignite a fire in the minds of the community that was not there before. Furthermore, the chief lighted a candle for Trayvon Martin, which fans the flames.</p><p>The chief has veteran officers in her department who are trained as professionals to handle civil disturbances. They do not need to have this problem brought to them. This city needs a leader who instills confidence and pride in them.</p><p>After 34 years on the Chicago Police Department, this is the first time I am embarrassed to say I was a police officer. Sarasota's chief is an embarrassment. She should return to the little town she came from.</p><p>Randy Barton</p><p>Lakewood Ranch</p>